Sara Malek Barney
Founder + Principal DesignerBANDD/DESIGNSara Malek Barney, ASID, is the Founder and Principal Designer of BANDD/DESIGN and was the lead designer and developer of House Beautiful’s 2025 Whole Home in Austin. Since 2017, she has completed over 170 recognized residential projects and later launched BANDD/DEVELOPMENT and The Designer Alliance. A University of Texas alum, her earlier career at SXSW, CAA, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show informs her distinctive design approach. Honored by Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen and Austin Monthly’s Women to Watch, she is also a member of DLN, ASID, and the Female Founder Collective. Sara splits her time between Austin and Los Angeles.
Designing for Digital Natives: Kitchens & Baths for the Next Wave
Millennials are now the largest home-buying group and Gen Z isn’t far behind. Together, these digital natives are rewriting the rules of what kitchens…Millennials are now the largest home-buying group and Gen Z isn’t far behind. Together, these digital natives are rewriting the rules of what kitchens and baths should be. For them, seamless tech isn’t a luxury, it’s the baseline. Think showers that …Millennials are now the largest home-buying group and Gen Z isn’t far behind. Together, these digital natives are rewriting the rules of what kitchens and baths should be. For them, seamless tech isn’t a luxury, it’s the baseline. Think showers that remember your settings, fridges that sync with your grocery list, and lighting that flexes with your mood. In this high-energy session, designers and product leaders will explore how to create spaces …Millennials are now the largest home-buying group and Gen Z isn’t far behind. Together, these digital natives are rewriting the rules of what kitchens and baths should be. For them, seamless tech isn’t a luxury, it’s the baseline. Think showers that remember your settings, fridges that sync with your grocery list, and lighting that flexes with your mood. In this high-energy session, designers and product leaders will explore how to create spaces that check all the boxes: connected, customizable, and camera-ready. The takeaway? If you want to win the next wave of homeowners, you’ll need to design for a lifestyle that’s always on.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Thriving in Chaotic Times: How Designers Stay Grounded, Profitable, Resilient and Relevant
Designers aren’t just managing projects anymore - they’re managing volatility. Economic swings, supply chain instability, social media pressure, accel…Designers aren’t just managing projects anymore - they’re managing volatility. Economic swings, supply chain instability, social media pressure, accelerated trend cycles, and client expectation inflation have created an era of constant chaos. Thrivin…Designers aren’t just managing projects anymore - they’re managing volatility. Economic swings, supply chain instability, social media pressure, accelerated trend cycles, and client expectation inflation have created an era of constant chaos. Thriving now requires more than talent. It requires boundaries, clarity of identity, and strategic reinvention.Designers aren’t just managing projects anymore - they’re managing volatility. Economic swings, supply chain instability, social media pressure, accelerated trend cycles, and client expectation inflation have created an era of constant chaos. Thriving now requires more than talent. It requires boundaries, clarity of identity, and strategic reinvention.Show MoreClick the title to see all details
